The BYD Bao 5 off-road SUV is being showcased at Malaysia Autoshow 2024. Marketed as the Fangchengbao 5 in China, which literally translates to “formula leopard”, the Bao 5 made its debut in August 2023, as the first model sold under the Fangchengbao sub-brand. Three variants are offered with the off-road SUV in China, with a starting price of 289,900 Yuan (approx. RM187,750).
Dimension-wise, the BYD Bao 5 measures 4,890 mm in length, 1,970 mm in width, and 1,920 mm in height, with a 2,800 mm long wheelbase. Dubbed the “super hybrid off-road SUV”, it sits on the brand’s Dual Mode Off-road (DMO) Super Hybrid Platform, which the brand says is capable of achieving 35% better fuel savings compared to regular petrol-powered non-hybrid off-road vehicles.
Speaking of being off-road capable, the BYD Bao 5 has a ground clearance of up to 310 mm, as well as approach and departure angles of 35° and 32° respectively. It also comes with a rear differential lock and a water-wading system to make your adventures possible. BYD has also equipped the Bao 5 with its DiSus-P Hydraulic Body Control System, which is said to ensure “SUV-like comfort even when in challenging terrains”.
Upon looking at the front fascia of the BYD Bao 5, we are immediately reminded of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. At the back, it seems like BYD’s designers have taken quite some inspiration from the Land Cruiser Prado. Overall, it sports a series of bold design cues, giving it the typical rugged looks expected of an off-road capable SUV.
RELATED: BYD Shark pickup truck debuts – 1.5L turbo PHEV, 100km EV range, over 430hp
Powering the BYD Bao 5 is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system consisting of a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine that makes 194 hp (metric) and 273 Nm and is paired with an E-CVT gearbox. Working together with the engine is a dual electric motor setup, one for each axle.
The front-mounted electric motor produces 272 hp (metric) and 360 Nm, while the rear-mounted motor is capable of churning out 387 hp (metric) and 400 Nm. Combined, the PHEV system has a maximum output of 505 kW (687 hp metric) and 760 Nm, enabling the SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds.
Supplying power to the electric motors is a 31.8 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack that allows the BYD Bao 5 to have a CLTC-rated all-electric driving range of 125 km. The battery supports DC fast charging at a maximum rate of 100 kW which can juice it up from 30 to 80% in 16 minutes.
Moving inside, the bold design language from the BYD Bao 5’s exterior continues here, with chunky panels and large physical buttons. These buttons help control various functions, including the car’s four-wheel drive system.
Like many modern cars out there, the BYD Bao 5 comes with no less than two displays, including the 12.3-inch digital instrument display and the 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display. There is also an additional 12.3-inch touchscreen panel for the passenger, which is only available with higher-end variants of the SUV, as well as a head-up display (HUD) that has a projection area of up to 50 inches.
Safety-wise, the BYD Bao 5 comes with a series of active safety features. This includes Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Traffic Jam Assist (TJA), and Lane Keep Assist (LKA). How do you find the BYD Bao 5? Do share your thoughts with us!
RELATED: 2024 BYD Atto 3 launched in Malaysia, RM150k – Extended Range dropped, 345km range only
GALLERY
